Join ChamberTalk host Andrew Gregson as he sits down with Patty Oh, whose unlikely journey from licensed Harley‑Davidson jewelry to leading Cool OC becomes a story about resilience, reinvention and the power of community. After a career shift forced by trade wars and a pandemic, Patty turns personal concern for her children’s future into a mission to make sustainability accessible across Orange County.

Through neighborhood block parties, youth leadership programs, hands‑on repair clinics and community gardens, Patty and Cool OC show how small, practical choices, composting, fixing what’s broken, making room for electric vehicles can add up to real change. Along the way she navigates city partnerships, funding challenges and the big-picture policies that shape our shared future.

This ChamberTalk episode blends candid personal history with useful takeaways and an invitation: do what inspires you. Whether you’re a business owner, parent, or curious neighbor, hear how one nonprofit is building connection, hope and tangible solutions one block at a time. Watch video: https://youtu.be/kPyhaFCPUo4

Dr. Stefan Bean’s life reads like a novel: born in Saigon, rescued by Operation Babylift, raised by foster heroes, and overcoming polio to become an educator, principal, and now County Superintendent.

In this episode of ChamberTalk, Dr. Bean opens up about:

• His bold 5-3-1 plan to protect students and prepare them for the future

• Facing crises like fentanyl, cyberbullying, and widening job gaps

• Playing cribbage with incarcerated youth to build hope and connection

• The village that helps him raise his four children

• Leadership lessons shaping his memoir, Lifted to Lead

Join us for an inspiring conversation with a leader turning hard stories into practical change and reimagining what education can achieve when students come first.

Meet Professor Rosalind Henderson, a lifelong educator who turned burnout into a blueprint for bold, authentic leadership. In this episode, Rosalind shares the pivotal moments that pushed her to reflect, set boundaries, and rediscover her voice. She reveals the exact practices that sustained her through teaching 850 students, writing multimillion-dollar grants, and navigating one of the most demanding professions.

Through candid stories like setting firm boundaries with parents, redefining a life of service, and unlearning the “be quiet” programming many women inherit, Rosalind shows how small daily practices such as five-minute resets, baby steps through change, and disciplined self-care can build resilience, clarity, and influence.

Whether you’re leading a team, returning to work, or simply feeling stuck, Rosalind’s message is both practical and inspiring: reconnect to your core, lift others up, and lead with your full, feminine power.

Join Andrew Gregson on ChamberTalk for a heartfelt conversation with Janeth Manjarrez, a first-generation student turned educator and now Interim Executive Director of the Friends of Fullerton College Foundation, who is rebuilding the organization from the ground up.

From intimate stories of students in crisis to major milestones like securing a $3 million STEM grant, Janeth shares how compassion, strategy, and persistence come together to create real impact. She opens up about the quiet, meticulous work of turning care into systems that scale, building scholarships, endowments, and planned giving opportunities that expand access for the most underserved students.

This episode traces a journey of equity, resilience, and community:

• How one small but mighty team multiplies impact

• The realities of supporting first-generation and underserved students

• Why leadership and resources can open pathways where none existed before

Janeth’s story is both a love letter to students and a call to action. As she reminds us with her motto, “Sí se puede,” or “Yes, you can.”

Whether you’re a donor, educator, student, or neighbor, this episode invites you into a narrative of purpose, showing how one foundation can transform thousands of lives.

Meet Jill Schulman, a Marine officer veteran, leadership expert, and author whose life is a study in courage. In this episode, Jill recounts the moment she decided to keep showing up as a young ROTC candidate, the lessons that turned doubt into determination, and how those same principles now help leaders and businesses push past fear to achieve meaningful results.

Through candid stories and evidence-based insights drawn from psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral science, Jill explains 'The Bravery Effect': why choosing the hard path builds confidence, well-being, and lasting success. Whether you’re a leader, a parent, or an entrepreneur navigating uncertainty, her practical strategies, from the power of “yet” to building a brave tribe, offer a roadmap for turning fear into forward motion.

Tune in to discover how to embrace discomfort, overcome self-limiting beliefs, and cultivate the habits that propel careers and companies forward. By the end, you’ll be asking: will I choose courage or live with the pain of regret?

Join us in this captivating episode of ChamberTalk, where we delve into the life and career of California State Senator Tony Strickland. From his early inspirations during the Reagan era to his steadfast commitment to public service, Tony shares personal anecdotes and profound insights that illuminate his journey from a sports enthusiast to a seasoned legislator.

Senator Strickland opens up about the powerful influence of his war-hero father, the discipline from his military upbringing, and experiences in team sports have shaped his collaborative approach to leadership. Senator Strickland offers candid insights on California’s pressing issues, high-speed rail, public safety, voter ID, and housing mandates, while reflecting on the balance between innovation, economic growth, and quality of life.

This episode invites listeners to reflect on the legacy we leave for future generations and the critical role of governance in shaping a better tomorrow. Tune in for an engaging narrative that blends politics and personal passion, providing a window into the determination driving California's leaders.

This episode was also recorded on video; click here to view.

Join us in this engaging episode of ChamberTalk, where host Andrew Gregson sits down with Mayor Ali Taj, a compelling figure who epitomizes the American dream. From his humble beginnings in the United States to rising as the mayor of Artesia, Ali Taj shares his journey of perseverance, dedication, and civic leadership. Discover how Mayor Taj overcame early struggles, transforming opportunities into successes as he steered his city from financial challenges to prosperity.

In this heartfelt narrative, Mayor Taj discusses his motivations for running for the California State Assembly, addressing critical issues such as affordable housing, public safety, and infrastructure improvements. As he strides toward the Assembly, Taj highlights his commitment to serving not just his district but the entire state, emphasizing a vision of collaborative problem-solving across communities and government levels.

Tune in to understand how Mayor Taj embodies the spirit of determination and service, aiming to transform policies impacting business growth, education, and quality of life. This is more than a story of a political journey; it is an exploration of passion, resilience, and community impact.

In this powerful episode of ChamberTalk, host Andrew Gregson sits down with Dr. Steve McLaughlin, Superintendent of the Fullerton Joint Union High School District, to explore his remarkable journey from history buff and aspiring U.S. President to transformational educational leader.

Dr. McLaughlin shares how modern education must go beyond textbooks—embracing programs in robotics, agriculture, STEM, and even animatronics to meet the real-world needs of today’s students. Hear his honest take on current challenges like declining enrollment, student mental health, and the growing demand for community-centered leadership in schools.

🔹 Why creative teaching is more critical than ever 🔹 How Fullerton is blending academics with industry innovation 🔹 The truth about superintendent responsibilities today 🔹 Mental health as an educational priority 🔹 Building strategic partnerships with colleges and business

This episode is a must-watch for educators, parents, and business leaders invested in the future of public education. Hear how Fullerton is building bridges between the classroom and the community.